The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low "Beethoven," one of the most popular Kobe Bryant sneaker designs, is set to make its long-awaited return with a Protro update. 'Protro' refers to a performance update. The official announcement says the shoes, priced at $210, will drop in April 2026.
Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest and most influential players in the history of world sports. He played basketball as a shooting guard and won five NBA championships. The American player died in a 2020 helicopter crash at the age of 41. Fans believe that Nike's comeback drop is a token of homage to the late player.
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This belief is affirmed by the fact that in 2013, Bryant famously tweeted that Moonlight Sonata helped him to calm down many times. By 2016, he learned how to play the legendary piece on piano. The colorway of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low sneakers is named after Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer of Moonlight Sonata.
Delving into Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro "Beethoven"
Initially released in August 2014, sneakerheads love the monochrome sneakers. The Kobe 9 Elite Low "Beethoven" sneaker features Nike’s Flyknit technology, which was still relatively new in 2014. The technology offered lightweight shoes.
This Flyknit material of Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro "Beethoven" combines marled gray with black on the lateral side. The overall design leans heavily into a black-and-white scheme. During the sneaker's initial release, Nike acknowledged that this color scheme drew a reference to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
The sneaker's toe box and upper parts are crafted in a marbled gray knit that extends to the shoe's midsection. The black and white lateral side has a distinctive woven pattern. The medial side is smoother and entirely white to add a visual contrast. The midsole is designed in black and white. Black accents are also found on the shoe’s heel and sole.
The shoe's outsole is made of gray rubber with a ripple pattern. This sole is coupled with cushioning. The signature Nike swoosh in white completes the lateral side.
The news of the shoes getting a comeback with a performance update made waves. Below is what some fans had to comment on the same:
"These are friggin fire"
"One of the best 9s (next to the impossible to get HTMs). Still have mine, pink glue lines and all."
"The whole fit is dope"
This upcoming release will mark the first time the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low "Beethoven" has been reissued since its debut. Nike has scheduled the proto drop for April 2025, with a retail price set at $210.
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